La Voisin. Engraving by unknown (c. 17th century). Author’s collection
When I think of famous poisoners throughout history, Lucrezia Borgia (1480–1519) and her poison ring come to mind. However, Lucrezia was small potatoes to Catherine Deshayes Monvoisin (1640–1680). Known as La Voisin, Catherine was a fortuneteller, palm (and face) reader, astrologist, seer, herbalist, sorceress, a reader of Tarot, and accused of being a witch. She also practiced midwifery and performed abortions. However, her most lucrative enterprise was being the poisoner to “the stars.”
Portrait of Louis XIV. Oil on canvas by Charles Le Brun (1661). Palace of Versailles. PD-100+. PD-US. Wikimedia Commons.
Catherine provided her services to many of the well-known aristocracy of Paris during a period of King Louis XIV’s reign (1643–1715). In fact, her clients were so well heeled that once Louis became aware of the situation, he had all the evidence sealed or destroyed so no one would ever know the true facts. You see, one of Catherine’s best customers was Louis’s mistress, Madame de Montespan (1640–1707) and he couldn’t afford to have a scandal of this magnitude.Read More The French Lucrezia Borgia
Kusmi Logo. Illustration by Kusmi Tea. PD. Wikimedia Commons.
I published a blog post some time ago (May 2013) where my subject was the oldest coffee house in Paris—the Café le Procope. It was established in the 17th century and still exists in the same location. Coffee quickly caught on with Parisians and coffee houses like Café le Procope multiplied throughout the city.
The BBC News Magazine recently posted (19 April 2014) an article entitled,France’s Silent TeaRevolution. The point of the story was to expose the growing trend of tea drinkers in Paris. It comments on how the French want quality in their tea bags whereas the English want the cheapest. Companies have sprung up to concoct special teas for restaurants as well as providing consulting services.
The specialist teas are spreading and no longer will French tea drinkers settle for just any old English tea bag (e.g., Earl Grey). The article mentions a retailer by the name of Dammann. While based in Dreux (west of Paris), Dammann has a store in Paris located at 15, place des Vosges (www.dammann.fr). Monsieur Damame, who was granted exclusive privileges by Louis XIV to sell tea in France, founded the company in 1692 (compare this to Café le Procope having been founded in 1686).
The article goes on to identify certain individuals who I mention in my book, WhereDid They Put the Guillotine?, Madame de Sevigne, a prolific letter writer during the 17th century, lived in the mansion that now houses the Musée Carnavalet. Napoleon was a tea drinker. Cardinal Mazarin, advisor to the young Louis XIV, drank tea as a medicine for his gout.
Like a Fine Wine
The French are treating tea as they do their beloved Bordeaux wines. There is a special way to serve the tea. Teas are being paired with cheeses and other foods. Teas are being judged based on color, clarity, vintages, fermentation, new growth, etc. For all you wine experts, sound familiar?
Do I hear an international tea contest brewing that is based on blind taste testing sometime in our near future? Perhaps Inglenook will develop a tea that takes Europe and France by storm? Most of you oenophiles will know what I’m talking about.
Do we have a lot of stories? Of course we do. I’m looking forward to sharing these with you. Please continue to visit our blog and perhaps subscribe so that you don’t miss out on the most recent blog posts.
Thanks so much for following my blog and my little journey through this incredibly interesting process of writing a series of niche historical travel books and then getting the bloody things published.
-Stew
Please note that I do not and will not take compensation from individuals or companies I mention or promote in my blog.
“Stew blends the dark history of buildings in Paris that are associated with the infamous deeds of the Gestapo with contrasting insights into the bravery of the French people, who, at great risk to themselves and their families, secretly resisted the German Occupation.”
Stanley Booker, MBE, RAF (Ret.), Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur
Stewart Ross’ book is full of interesting documents and research, it put you well on the tracks of Marie Antoinette, Danton, Robespierre and many more, whether in Paris or in Versailles, extremely interesting and easy to read!
Raphaelle Crevet | Certified Tour Guide, Paris, France
